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Last year, after they successfully met their Kickstarter funding goals, I posted about the Cole-Bar multi-functional hammer. It was part hammer, part nail puller, part socket wrench, and part square.

I was a little hesitant about the tool, but it was interesting enough to post about. I waited until after the hyped-up Kickstarter campaign, when they started offering pre-orders. The last I checked, their shipping ETA was moved from Q1 2014 to Q2 2015. We’re currently nearly a month into Q3.

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Well… it looks like that shipping estimate might not be accurate. Their latest update on Kickstarter, which is hidden to the public so that only funding backers can read it, is headlined:

Update 6-11-15: WE CAN’T BUILD THE COLE-BAR HAMMER.

Well, that sucks.

Update (3/30/2016): We have been informed that “The Cole-Bar is indeed moving forward with production slated for later this year with new American mfg. partners.” Check out the comments section below for the latest update!

At one point the pre-order price shot up from $79 to $139. And right now Cole-Bar’s website looks to be having problems with displaying images. It also hasn’t been updated to reflect their manufacturing hurdles.

While I would like to say I’m completely surprised, there’s a reason I posted about the tool concept only after its Kickstarter campaign was done and they started offering pre-orders on their website. Hopefully they followed common pre-order practices, which is to only charge a credit card once an order ships out, and didn’t charge anyone yet.

There are inherent risks when you choose to back a crowd-funded tool, product, or other campaign. There are fewer risks when you back campaigns started by established companies, but I’m not really a fan of those practices either.

If you pre-ordered the Cole-Bar, hopefully you’re not out any money. If a transaction was processed, you might still be able to dispute it. If you’re a Kickstarter backer, what else is said in that recent “we can’t make Cole-Bar hammers” update? And have you been able to get your pledge refunded?

Maybe the Cole-Bar team can somehow pull things together and get these hammers built, but it seems they’ve lost all optimism.

39 Comments

This is why I don’t waste any money on ANY Kickstarter projects anymore… Tried to back projects like these (tools/gadgets) in the past (and yes, I am fully aware that “Kickstarter is not a store”), project creators silently disappeared (or provided some nonsense excuse), never got anything in return, said “screw it”, found and purchased equal and cheaper alternatives elsewhere. Too many scammers or simply inexperienced people (who never manage to complete the project), 0 accountability.

Exactly. These creators can cancel their projects at anytime Kickstarter won’t get involved except for maybe suspending the creators accounts. They aren’t legally responsible for returning any money or pretty much anything unless this relates to the site directly.

That being said I decided to research what Kickstarter ISN’T liable and what I found personally makes me reluctant to ever participate in this anytime soon. None of this is rumor based, but verbatim from their own website.

“Kickstarter isn’t liable for any damages or losses related to your use of the Services. We don’t become involved in disputes between users, or between users and any third party relating to the use of the Services. We don’t oversee the performance or punctuality of projects, and we don’t endorse any content users submit to the Site. When you use the Services, you release Kickstarter from claims, damages, and demands of every kind — known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, disclosed or undisclosed — arising out of or in any way related to such disputes and the Services. All content you access through the Services is at your own risk. You’re solely responsible for any resulting damage or loss to any party. We don’t oversee projects’ performance, and we don’t mediate disputes between users.”

But pay close attention to the wording under number four “How Projects work”

“they offer to return any remaining funds to backers who have not received their reward (in proportion to the amounts pledged), or else explain how those funds will be used to complete the project in some alternate form.”

Notice the word offer. So basically the creator can CHOOSE not to refund the money if they don’t want to and aren’t required to. Kickstarter of course is void of taking any at all responsibility for this, but are likely quick to reap any financial benefits.

Now of course for full disclosure there is a line talking about consequences, but these are only potential consequences.

“The creator is solely responsible for fulfilling the promises made in their project. If they’re unable to satisfy the terms of this agreement, they may be subject to legal action by backers.”

Lawyers are not cheap, at least the better lawyers aren’t. Now some of these Kickster creators aren’t companies, so there still a chance the backer(s) might be able to see money, but given the expense of lawyers and other expenses involved, this might not even be worth the effort in the long run. As a cohesive group, for sure then there is a better chance of obtaining money back that way, but I just don’t see the average person being willing or able to hire a lawyer for might be a long trial.

People who really love kickstarter often point to the one or two success stories out of thousands of failed attempts. Those successes seem to be the exception and not the rule. I will never understand why people donate their money to kickstarter campaigns, no matter how good they sound. Even if the campaign is a roaring success, backers really get little in return in most cases.

Two points, first with EDM and MIM manufacturing techniques, that tool would be trivial to produce. With a good drawing you could get a quote in a week and production in 30 days. Meeting a reasonable price point at a low quantity would be the real obstacle.

Second, while I’m aware of the risks of Kick Starter, I’m not a Hipster that I would desire such a committee-designed “tool”. The distance between the split mass and the attachment point would prove problematic over time, even if you skipped MIM and used a good forged tool steel. I would pity anyone committed to actual long-term use.

As someone who has backed roughly 20 Kickstarter campaigns, I understand people problems with doing such. Many times production delivery is delayed but I go into the ‘deal’ knowing this will most likely be the case. The same as when I go to the doctor I am almost assured they are behind schedule and my appointment time will be pushed back. I have received some of the most usefull and coolest gadgets off of kickstarter, usually at a hefty discount from a listed retail for the product, all for being an early backer to help them get going. It is fun to know you had a part in helping the company get up and running. It can be frustrating, especially if you are looking for immediate satisfaction. A lot of the times I forget about what I ordered until it arrives in a package, then ‘BAM’, excitement!

Travis, I feel that you are the exception to the rule. The fact that you understand the risks, and also that you are in it more so for the entertainment value, shows that you have reasonable expectations. I totally get where you’re coming from.

I don’t see much more to Kickstarter aside from this entertainment aspect. It often feels like a place where ideas that were not otherwise feasible (be it due to cost, ability to manufacture, etc.) go to die, and in the process extract money from hopeful suckers. It happens every day, and not just on Kickstarter, but I feel that Kickstarter’s business model is actually based on a certain level of “aww, shucks, too bad that didn’t work out” deception.

Ahhh yes, Kickstarter, where:
1. Almost all of the items presented are ultimately impractical and consistently overpriced flights of fancy,
2. Only a prototype (or even worse, just a concept) is ever made.
3. A bunch of office-bound hipsters (who usually pay someone else to fix/build things for them) go “OOO Neato!”, and pass around the link on social media.
4. A few folks with more money than sense pitch in.
5. Many products never become a reality.

The fact of the matter is that anything worth making usually funds itself via either customers directly buying the first few batches, or a group buy where the participants know what they are getting for their money. People created and brought to market novel inventions long before the advent of Kickstarter, and they did so by making products that people could use at a price they wouldn’t mind paying.

Kickstarter kind of reminds me of the so-called “Maker community” in that despite some impressive achievements and arguably honorable aims, it appears most people involved are more interested in getting attention than actually getting anything done. Maybe I am wrong about them, but that’s the impression I have gotten, and why I generally avoid them.

I’ve been fixing my farm equipment for most of my 61 years, some of it older than I. I haven’t spent much time in an office.

I may have more money than sense, I can’t judge that, but I sure don’t have what most would call a lot of money.

I have been involved in Kickstarter from nearly the beginning. Nothing but happy. One of the clothing projects I backed is now a growing company employing folks here in the U.S. making quality clothing. Although a bit more costly than I can justify after their initial project.

Failures most likely outnumber successes, which I think is common in the business world. Folks who want to support innovation would be well advised to look into Kickstarter. No governmental money that I know of, just backing folks with a idea and a hope..

Ditto on the above…… My experience with Kickstarter is similar, with nothing but out and out lies (updates) from the project owner. The project has over 800 comments with most in the last two years being complaints. Kickstarter has done little to nothing, and the project delivery/status stands unresolved.

Never again will I donate to Kickstarter, as they take no responsibility in project resolution, and seeing that project owners comply with contractural project agreements. In recent months some state attorney generals are now getting involved. Kicksarter needs to change drastically or go away! Contributor beware!!

Kickstarter assumes no liability for essentially nothing but their site and this is especially true with any failed projects or projects that have succeeded. If the creator never creates the item and or decides to cancel the project at anytime, the best Kickstarter can do is “monitor” this project and tell you that the creator can offer your money back.

Offering a refund and mandating a refund are naturally not one and the same and while legal can be taken, this can become very expensive quickly.

Kickstarter does have some advantages but you better read the terms of service so you know what you are signing up for. Look at the founders of kickstarter. Even before kickstarter, chances are all three of these founders were already successful white collar workers. Do you really think they created Kickstarters with the contributors/backers in mind? I don’t as they worded terms of service to make as free of any legal issues as possible similar to pretty much every company these days.

There is a good chance these founders are set for life and with that written, as long as their backs are covered, I doubt much matters otherwise.

Yet I will say this much, who is willing to pay between $79-139 for a tool that costs more than most hammers, ratchets, pry bars and whatever this is trying to accomplish? I just don’t see the appeal with this “multi-tool” other than the “cool” factor.

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has started looking at crowdfunding scams recently. They’ve already brought action against one kickstarted “entrepreneur” who cancelled their project and spent some of the money on personal expenses like rent etc. I think some states are rolling out their own legislation. This will be interesting to watch over the next few years.

I haven’t participated in any Kickstarter products which, from the number of comments made here, was a smart move. It’s every inventor’s dream to find a market for his/her product, but for every one that makes it, there’s probably a truckload that don’t. All of these products sound like things we’ve been bombarded with on one of those “As Seen on TV” commercials. I would guess that most of those went through rigorous testing, start-up marketing programs, focus groups, etc., but that costs money. Advertising the product on television with a genial pitchman gives it a cachet that it wouldn’t have otherwise, as well as showcasing the product to a large number of potential buyers. Probably the best way to get a product on store shelves is to approach an existing, successful company (like Black and Decker, Milwaukee, whoever) that can put out the necessary money for development and knows how to bring products to market. If they look at your product and see a need in the marketplace, they’ll do something with it. If they can’t, or don’t see it as a viable product, they’ll tell you that, and wish you well.

Unfortunately, the inventor never accepts “no” as an answer. He/she is “certain” their brainchild is a needed product, and keeps looking for backers. The inventor eventually gets to some sleazy outfit that promises him or her the moon and strings them along (for various fees), then disappears with their money. It didn’t happen to me, but a relative invented a product that seemed to fill a real need. The problem was, my relative wouldn’t sell the idea to an existing company as an accessory to their main product line. The relative was concerned he wouldn’t be treated fairly, so he produced the product himself, selling some units here, some there, but never getting the “big break” or attention from major retailers that he spoke with. He always received encouragement about the value of the product from folks he talked with, but no commitment of money or anything else.

The relative had limited funds, no production facility (other than his basement), no product development specialists, no major capital available, no advertising budget–you get the picture. I assume he tried to get bank loans, but without a major sales plan and a product development strategy (with letters from potential manufacturers and retailers) to present to the bank, he wouldn’t get very far. He invested a lot of his own time and money, rented space at trade shows to develop interest, etc., but those efforts never really got him anywhere. Every small article in a trade paper or magazine, though, convinced him success was “just around the corner”. Sales would spike temporarily, but the product just never caught fire.

To make matters worse, I recall that he was later swindled twice by “investors” (con men), who saw that he was still trying to bring his product to market. Unfortunately, they relieved him of a fair amount of money in his later years. I guess the “lure of easy money” (monetary reward, fame, respect) for one’s efforts can blind even the best of us.

I like the concept of Kickstarter. I think it does more good than harm. I don’t think Kickstarter should assume any responsibility. They are a place to list your potential product for small home grown inventors. If they start assuming responsibility that mean they are essentially become an insurance company so you can expect higher listing fee or commission… Personally I rather Kickstarter just be a middleman and let the inventor deal directly with each other.

With that said, I hate scammer and there should be law, with heavy fine/jail sentence for them. I believe we all should push for that. Kickstarter should also make it easy for backer for each project to collaborate and even raise fund to sue the inventor in case a product failed to launch. That along with a heavy fine/jail sentence should be a deterrent to scammers.

Again a backing an idea is an investment. So there are risk that are inherently involved with such activities. As long as the money was spend legitimately toward product development I don’t have a problem of losing a little of money here and there.

I clicked on the link and took one look at it and knew it was a Camel…you know the race horse designed by a committee of deaf, dumb and blind people which ended up…..you know what I mean!

As a member of an Australian Inventors Assoc I was on the feasibility committee one year. I couldn’t believe some of the ridiculous and stupid ideas some people had. And I along with 2 other people had to look at these inventions and keep a straight face! But you could see the look in the inventors eyes, always the same. The look of mild desperation mixed with a desire for some gratification like a “well done sir, your invention will be a great success”.

I had to bite my tongue so any times that year!

I concluded that 9 out of every 10 inventors would be better off not inventing anything!

I’ve four times signed up for Kickstarter projects. Two digital. Both digital items went mainstream and I was be definition an early adopter. The third was a camera attachment which was bought perhaps impulsively and I gave it away. Yawn.
And the fourth is an iPhone Steadycam like device that uses the iPhone as its controller. It’s a Japanese based startup and they still haven’t worked the bugs out. And the last update was months ago. So I assume it’ll never see daylight. And/or a bigger entity will simply beat them to market with a finished product.

I am curious as to why the Cole-bar cannot be built. I suspect an engineering limitation. Maybe they cannot build a reliable and strong enough ratchet mechanism within acceptable size constraints of the design at a reasonable price point.

Or, could it be something like someone came out of the woodwork with an existing patent on part if the design?

I would like more details as to the root cause for the decision not to move forwards.

So say we all. But don’t hold your breath waiting for someone to unburden themselves to you. Unfortunately, privacy laws and financial agreements they (likely) entered into with Kickstarter at the beginning may prevent (protect?) those involved from having to disclose the details of a failed startup attempt.

No opinions on Kickstarter, I’ve looked around their site a time or two, saw a few real promising ideas, some obvious failures, but the majority seemed to be along the lines of the Cole-Bar. An intriguing idea on the surface, but when I really thought about it, it was a solution looking for a problem. For example, when I’m building something and want to square it up, the last thing I want is to have part of my hammer be the square. How is one to tap things into alignment if you have to take your hammer apart to use the square, and take your square apart, to use your hammer? Also, on the surface, an integrated ratchet seems cool, but who wants to take apart their hammer to use it? Lastly, the precision required to make a ratchet lock into various angles with any accuracy, while still functioning as a stanfpdard ratchet HAS to be difficult/costly to produce. Probably would have been more practical to just have it lock at 45, 90, and 180 degrees. Lastly, I would also be concerned about just how tightly the two halves would stay locked together when used as a hammer over time. If the locking mechanism doesn’t lock perfectly, I could see a little ‘slap’ developing when used as a hammer.
As with anything else, I guess the term ‘buyer beware’ needs to be especially remembered with things like Kickstarter. I considered getting in on a couple things, but when I really thought about it, the few things that I thought really had promise were already closed.

I’ve backed 33 projects on Kickstarter with different levels of backing. Some just a buck to see where it was going and one for $2500. Some of the longer term projects are still going but for the most part I’ve received all my rewards and they were great. Including the big ticket item which was a real stretch for me (Nomad CNC mill).

Kickstarter is a great way for the niche products to test their appeal. Sure, it’s risky to back a project but if you really look the project over, you can get a good feel as to which ones are viable and which are unrealistic.

Personally, I hope some day (1 year from now) to release a project on Kickstarter that gets featured on ToolGuyd. So, please keep an open mind that not all project creators are trying to screw folks over. Yeah, my project will likely be inspired by community but it will be the ToolGuyd community I’m trying to satisfy. In the meantime, I’ll do the due diligence and also work on building up the thick skin that I know I will need 🙂

Jotham, while I am certain not every creator is out there with the intent of taking advantage of others, some do. Kickstarter is a white collar worker’s dream of making money and given that Kickstarter isn’t legally responsible for anything, should the creator not want to give the money back, they don’t have to.

Remember we don’t live in a perfect world and I hate to say this, but corporations don’t exist to help others as they exist to make money. Sure some are better than others, but the most powerful corporations are often the most corrupt.

I wholeheartedly agree. Kickstarter as a company does not care about the project creators except as a way to make a percentage on the take. Their policies explicitly protect Kickstarter and encourage people to launch projects that have minimal basis in the reality of delivering a product.

That said, what makes Kickstarter interesting is not the platform but rather the project creators who are overwhelmingly optimistic and really trying to deliver a product of some kind. They usually fail because they are naive and unprepared, not because they are scam artists. The scammers are very obvious and easily avoided.

So, when I help fund a project, I’m basically sponsoring someone elses vision with no expectation that I’m guaranteed anything. But I’m hopeful and in my case, 99% of the time, the projects I have funded have delivered.

Thank you very much. Glad someone sees this from a realistic standpoint as well. As let’s be honest, Kickstarter is no different than any for profit company in that at the end of the day, money is all that matters.

I will give some creators credit, as some of what is “funded” there does support American manufacturing, but then you have gimmicks here that make this seem as if this is the perfect tool that will solve a problem that doesn’t really exist. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for innovation, but some of these ideas aren’t practical.

Personally, in a ideal world I’d love to support this type of innovation, but unless this is a item that meets my criteria and worthy of a risk that might have ZERO return, then I am going to continue to pass. Thanks to scammers and some corrupt corporations, I’ve been burned multiple instances.

I’m afraid there is a bit of confusion here with the Cole-Bar mfg. We are indeed building the Cole-Bar Hammer. I repeat…The Cole-Bar has not failed to launch. In fact, we are now in a better situation than before as now we have U.S. mfg. partners so the Cole-Bar will be American made and engineered by some of the best in the tool industry.

I’m afraid the mix up is my fault. I was trying to be clever with one of the update postings on Kickstarter, but it kind of back-fired.

Kickstarter changed there update structure so the general public can see the headline, but not the body of the update for updates that are for backers only.
In the past, updates for backers only would only allow backers to see any part of the update…including the headline.

If you were a backer and continued reading the update, it went on to talk about how this being the response from our new engineer concerning liability issues and not the manufacturing itself.

My sincerest apologies for those, including ToolGuyd and all it’s readers, that took this as the Cole-Bar project being canceled. I take full responsibility for this poorly communicated update.

At any rate, the good news is the Cole-Bar is going to be better than ever made right here in the USA. As I write this, we are beginning the prototyping process with this new mfg. followed by testing and then onto pre-production with the forging facility.

A rough timeline looks like the end of 2016 or early 2017 for full production. For anyone that would like to receive updates on the progress of the Cole-Bar, let me know and I can add you to the email list.

I hope that clears things up concerning the production of the Cole-Bar Hammer.

i have been wanting a cole bar hammer for a long time now i think the first time i saw it i was 10 i think now im 20 i saw this and i dident care how mutch it cost and i still dont yea big deal now its $139 i will stll buy it. this dad and his kid we working on a roof and a hammer and a crowbar were on top of each other and the kid said dad what if we put the 2 together so he and his kid went to the garage and started welding and then soon added a ratchet to the end of the hammer and i dont remember how but his kid passed away and his kids name was cole he hsa dedicated this hammer in memory of his kid and if were not for his kid he would have never goten as far as he did i hope some day i can order one or see it in a store because this thing kicks ass if construction workers new about this hammer they would get it in a heart beat i have no dout in my mind that would happen

And a year later and it’s still not been made or apparently any nearer to production. The design is still being finalised, the “heads” load tested and test heat treatments are being done. Still feels like it hasn’t been finished.